- Gujurat Titans Chief Operating Officer claims rival franchise breached rules, directly approaching Mohammed Shami for a transfer.
- Controversy surrounds Titans’ loss of captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians in a cash deal.
- BCCI likely to investigate, fans anticipate a fair resolution before IPL 2024 Auction.
In a surprising turn of events ahead of the IPL 2024 Auction, Gujarat Titans, who recently lost their captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, have raised concerns about another key player being wrongfully approached. The Titans’ Chief Operating Officer (COO), Arvinder Singh, revealed that India pacer Mohammed Shami was directly approached by a rival franchise, violating established BCCI and IPL protocols.
Also Read: All You Need to Know About IPL 2024 Auction in Dubai
The Titans had initially announced the retention of Hardik Pandya, but it turned out to be an all-cash trade to Mumbai Indians, leading to speculation about the nature of the transaction. The controversy deepened as Singh alleged that Shami, one of the key assets of the Gujarat-based franchise, faced a similar situation. According to Singh, a rival team’s coaching staff directly contacted Shami for a potential transfer, bypassing the established channels of communication with the Gujarat Titans’ management.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, Singh emphasized the importance of adhering to IPL and BCCI protocols, stating,
“It’s wrong to contact players directly for IPL trade. Teams should follow the protocols set by the IPL and BCCI.”
He further clarified that while there were talks about a possible trade involving Shami, the Titans were firm in their stance to retain the Indian pace star.
Singh did not disclose the identity of the franchise involved in the alleged wrongful approach but asserted that the Gujarat Titans would have engaged in discussions had the appropriate channels been used. This incident raises questions about the fairness and transparency of player transfers and trades in the IPL, a league that prides itself on maintaining a level playing field for all teams.
As the IPL 2024 Auction approaches, the focus is not only on player dynamics but also on the integrity of the trade process. The BCCI is likely to investigate the allegations made by the Gujarat Titans, ensuring that the league’s reputation remains untarnished. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the resolution of this controversy, hoping for a fair and just conclusion that upholds the spirit of the game.
